Dennis I. DeVelder (June 21, 1983 - December 24, 2022)

Rochester/Bergen - Dennis Ivan DeVelder, 39, took his last breath on Christmas Eve morning, with the loves of his life (his wife, Lacy and daughter Jaden) by his side on 4-1200 at Strong Memorial Hospital. Dennis was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008 and spent every day since truly living. He earned an associate’s and then a bachelor’s degree, worked in development and finance at the Villa of Hope, took numerous vacations, spent time with friends, and most importantly, had the opportunity to raise his amazing daughter. It was Dennis’s wish to see Jaden, who was only 4 years old at the time of his diagnosis, graduate from high school, which she did in June 2022. It was with great pride that he hosted her graduation party celebration in the summer and helped her move into the dorms at St. Bonaventure in the fall. They just celebrated the completion of her first college semester.

Dennis loved running, playing ice hockey, golfing, and anything sports-related: watching games, reading stats, talking sports, drafting and managing fantasy teams, and since made possible in NYS, betting on games. He especially loved the Buffalo Sabres (even through the many, many seasons of rebuilding), the Mets, and the (San Diego) Chargers. He laughed the loudest playing poker with the guys at Steve’s and playing Fortnite with Dan, Cory, and Blue. He was an incredible husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Dennis was brave and underwent numerous treatments over the last 14.5 years always with the goal of living as long as possible with a good quality of life. Dennis was literally, “happy to be alive” each day. He hoped that others could find the appreciation for life and health that he had and not begrudge the process of getting older but instead, realize that aging is a privilege.

Dennis “Denny” was pre-deceased by his mother, Denise Dugan (Viavattine) and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lacy Morgan-DeVelder, his daughter, Jaden Rose, and his sweet and needy chihuahua, Riley. Dennis was well-loved and is also survived by his dad, Brian Dugan (Laurie), brothers Scott (Lisa) and Steve, and sister Darcy (Gavin) Greco. Dennis is also survived by his father, Michael DeVelder, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

It was Dennis’s wish to have a private, graveside service. We hope that those who were impacted by Dennis will celebrate his life through the sharing of stories and special attention to really living your life now (take the trip, eat the ice cream, meet up with the friends you’ve been meaning to see). A chance for family and friends to gather and celebrate his incredible life will be planned and announced in the future.

Special thanks to Dr. Nimish Mohile, Jen Serventi, and Bethann Sayers who cared for Dennis since he was diagnosed. Hugs and gratitude to all of the providers at SMH ED, 8-1200, and 4-1200 who took exceptional care of Dennis and his family in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Coop Cup for Brain Cancer Research (www.coopcup.com).

Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Bergen. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle for Dennis at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.